What’s Happening in Ocean City

OCEAN CITY – What is happening in Ocean City? Well, there are a couple of things…
Barks on the Boards, The Pet Walk provides canines and their best friends a rare opportunity to enjoy the City’s famed ‘walk. Over 500 dogs toured the boardwalk last year. The only other time pets are allowed on the boards is during the Doo Dah Parade in April when over 500 bassets waddle for the benefit of the Tri State Basset Hound Rescue League. Only dogs registered for Barks on the Boards will be allowed on the ‘Walk.
A Canine Contest is set for 1p.m. in front of the Music Pier. Categories include the Largest Dog, Smallest Dog, Best Dressed Dog, Owner/Pet Look Alike, Best Tail Wagger, Most Precious Puppy (over 4 months) and Best Dog Trick. Entry is free. Prizes will be awarded.
Pre-registration by May 25 is $15. Group or family rate for up to four walkers is $50. Same day registration is $20. Children under 8 walk free. There will be gift bags for the first 300 who register.
The event is dedicated to Elvis entertainer Ted, who passed away last Saturday, for his years of assistance to Barks on the Boards and other Humane Society events. Prior performed and helped to judge during many of the Walks and also entertained at the Woofin’ Paws Pet Fashion Show held in April. A Kennel will be dedicated in Ted’s honor at the Shelter.
South Side Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, the compatriots of Bruce Springsteen, will perform at the Music Pier on Sat., May 28 at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace at 8 p.m. This band performs all over the world and this is a rare opportunity to enjoy them in Ocean City.
All seats are reserved for this concert which has an appeal to all ages. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Access www.brownpapertickets.com or call 1-800-838-3006.
The Memorial Day Weekend opens with a time honored ceremony at the Moorlyn Terrace Beach adjacent to the Music Pier. On Fri., May 27 at noon, Mayor Jay Gillian and past and present lifeguards will turn a large wooden key to officially open the ocean. Martin Z. Mollusk, our relatively famous hermit crab, will observe the procedure to insure that the key is turned exactly the right number of rotations.
The Cumberland Regional High School Choir will sing “Under the Boardwalk” as Martin is carried to the Ocean to test the waters. The Crustacean will then dip his major claw into the waters to signal the start of the Business Person’s March into the ocean.
Arrgh the Air Circus Pirate will blow a tinny bugle, the strains of Pomp and Circumstance will engulf the surroundings as over 100 marchers, many in business attire, begin their march into the Ocean. This is the community’s way of welcoming the new season and Ocean City’s many valued visitors.
Some of the merchants who have already agreed to participate include Larry Friedman, 7th St. Surf Shop, Hank Glaser, Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy, Tony Guierro, Ta Dah, Greg Sheppard, Bonded Baby Sitters, Craig Mensinger and his students from the Ocean City High business curriculum, Patty Davis, Bongo Café, Marcia Shallcross, Main Street Ocean City, principals of the Fractured Prune Donut Shop, Kevin Deely, Sturdy Savings Bank, Frank Tees, manager of Sam’s Wholesale Club and Todd Dwyer of Chickie and Petes. For information, call 609-525-9300.
This year’s plunge will be dedicated to Elvis performer and talented musician, Ted Prior, who passed away on Saturday. One of Ted’s recordings will be played during the ceremony.
A Tribute to Ted Prior will be held on Sun., June 5 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Rams Head Inn on the White Horse Pike in Galloway. Musician friends will perform in his memory. Tickets are $30 per person, $50 a couple with proceeds going to the family to help cover medical expenses. Call 609-377-1769 or 609-525-9300.
Current Events: The following free programs have been scheduled for the Ocean City Library, 17th and Simpson Ave.
May 22 at 2 p.m.: Make Your Own Beaded Necklaces with supplies furnished by the Potomac Bead Company.
Registration required. Call 609-399-2434 Ext. 5231.
May 23 at 6 p.m.: Classic Film Series-What About Bob? (PG) Dr. Walter Brown will present film and briefly explain how it relates to “American Heroes & Myths”
May 24 at 6:30 p.m.: Dinoman for children ages 6 and up. Dinoman will talk about fossils and dinosaurs using giant, inflatable dinosaurs as props.
May 28 at 2 p.m.: Saturday Movie Series: Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
The Ocean City Arts Center, 17th and Simpson Ave., is featuring the Sculpture Work of Jose Chora in its main gallery through May. Call 609-399-7628 for information.
The Ocean City Fire Department holds its Beach VOLLEY BALL Tournament to benefit the American Cancer Society on May 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 5th St. Volley Ball Courts.
On May 28 Craft for a Cause to benefit the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Effort will be held at Kidz Creations, 811 Asbury Ave. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids decorate a special Piggy Bank to take home and learn the importance of saving money and participating in charitable events. Call 609-399-9922 or 302-981-4133.
The Nor’Easters professional SOCCER Team open the season on May 22 against the New Jersey Rangers, 6 p.m. at Carey Stadium, 6th St. off Boardwalk and on May 29 meet the Long Island Rough Riders. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for children per game. Call 609-525-9999 or access www.oceancityfc.com.
On May 28, the American Legion Auxiliary will hold a Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Post Home, 3304 Bay Ave. There will be baked goods, household goods, books, electronic items, furniture and much more. Call 609-398-6480.
A Hoagie Sale will be held in conjunction with the Yard Sale. Full size hoagies will be $5. Pick up between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Post. Pre-orders are requested. Please call Jack Hagan at 609-304-3088.
On May 29 Sand Artist, Joe Castillo, projects his colorful sand art onto large screens at the Tabernacle, 5th and Wesley Ave. at 7 p.m. Admission is Free. Call 609-399-1915.
On Memorial Day, May 30 at 9:15 a.m., City Lifeguards will row a short distance from the Moorlyn Terrace Beach and place a Wreath on the ocean to honor the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country
Ocean City’s Annual Memorial Day Service is set for 11 a.m., May 30 at Veterans Memorial Park, 5th and Wesley Ave. The event will be moved to the Tabernacle Auditorium in the event of bad weather.
Charitable Walks: The American Heart Association’s Heart Walk is set for May 21st with registration starting 9 a.m. at the Sports and Civic Center, 6th and Boardwalk. Walk begins 10:30 a.m. For information, call 609-223-3762.
On May 21st the Miles for Melanoma: Andrea Sheridan 5K Race and Family Fun Walk is set for the 34th St. Beach at 9 a.m. All proceeds benefit the Melanoma Research Foundation. Race will be professionally timed. For information, call 717-538-4359 or email blackoutmelanoma@comcast.net.